New Orleans Ballet Association

New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) advances the dance field by cultivating understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of dance through performance, education, and community service. Dynamic programs and innovative strategies position NOBA as the leading dance presenting and service organization in Louisiana and the Central Gulf region.

NOBA's structure is divided into two programming elements: 1) Main Stage Series, a full season of world-class dance companies of all genres presented at the Mahalia Jackson Theater and in partnership with NOCCA and Tulane University; and 2) Education/Health & Wellness Programs, internationally-recognized, comprehensive dance programs that educate, train, and nurture individuals ages 4-80+ through 5,000+ tuition-free classes and outreach activities annually at up to 20 neighborhood sites.

Since 1992, NOBA has made the art of dance accessible to underserved families - tuition-free - by establishing partnerships and relationships throughout the Greater New Orleans area to fill the urgent need presented by parents, community organizations, and schools. NOBA's lead partnership with the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD) established the Center for Dance (CFD), a nationally renowned cultural community partnership. NOBA has leveraged the CFD's success to address the ongoing need and growing demand for meaningful arts programming through partnerships with schools, community centers, housing developments, and churches in Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard parishes.

Testimonials

"The thing I love most about NOBA's tuition-free dance programs is the amazingly successful combination of inclusivity, diversity, access and excellence.
No one does it better!"

"I am so much better walking out than when I walked in…I call it the Parkinson's 'Happy Hour'! During class, I know that I am very intentionally healing. It is an easy way to get my body to do what my brain tells it to, plus I feel very joyful!"-Dance for PD

"This program helped save my life!"-Senior Dance Fitness